If you’re buying pills, read the label


Just like you check food labels to avoid certain ingredients (looking at you, high-fructose corn syrup!), pay attention to what is in your probiotic to ensure you make a healthy choice. “Look for a reputable manufacturer with many different strains of probiotics represented, and a strong potency (around 40-50 CFUs) if you are taking it because of antibiotic treatment,” Dr. Kogan says. There is no FDA regulation of supplements, she warns. However, consumerlab.com tests all supplements and publishes their results online, making it simple for you to get info on the effectiveness of a probiotic. It’s also smart to check with your doctor before adding anything new to your diet, not only for her opinion based on your medical history, but for her recommendations, too